Sharkbanz

  • Spencer Pines, iReviews
  • August 01,2022
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If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “what’s beneath me,” during a casual swim at the beach or like most of us, have PTSD after watching Jaws, then it may be time to purchase a magnetic shark repellent called, Sharkbanz. For the sole purpose of alleviating an inherent fear of sharks, Co-founders and recreational surfers Nathan and David Garrison of Mano, LLC have created Sharkbanz.

 

The product has been Tested by the company itself on over 10 predatory shark species (Bull, Blacktip, Oceanic Whitetip, Small Tiger, Nurse, Lemon, Caribbean Reef, Bonnethead, etc.) but there has still not been any independently funded studies on Sharkbanz and similar products, so I can’t say whether or not the product works.

 

With a depth rating of 200 meters and a 1-2 meter range, Sharkbanz fastens to either your wrist or ankle and looks just like a fitness band. Sharkbanz uses special patented magnetic technology to deter sharks from attacks close to the shoreline. From the everyday beach goer to the avid surfer, this device gives you peace of mind.

 

I will say though, that if you go swimming with a Sharkbanz on, you likely won’t come into contact with a shark…but you likely won’t come into contact with a shark if you don’t wear the device either. Despite what you may see in the media, shark attacks are very rare and can be prevented with proper research and preparation.

 

According to Mano’s website, most shark attacks occur in murky, shallow waters off the coast where there are a high number of swimmers and sharks in the same place. “Sharks rely on their electro-receptors instead of their eyes to “see” what’s around them. They possess the most sensitive electro-magnetic sense of all known animals, and use it to judge distance, shape, and even the heart rate of other animals near them,” Mano explains.

 

Mano’s Sharkbanz can deter an advancing shark by disrupting the very electro-magnetic receptors it relies on to attack its prey. Compared to the feeling humans get when a “bright light is shined into their eyes,” Sharkbanz magnetic pulses get more intense as the shark gets closer.

 

The magnet is definitely powerful, maybe too powerful. I can see the device interfering with your phone or even a hotel key if kept too close together. To me, this product seems like nothing more than security theater.

 

In a video shown on Mano’s site, a test dummy was submerged in bull shark infested waters wearing Sharkbanz on its ankle. The leg was stuffed with bait and after 30 minutes of being submerged, countless bull sharks darted away at the last second from would-be attacks.

 

Scientists then removed Sharbanz from the dummy and in a matter of two seconds – a shark ripped the dummy’s leg off taking the chum prize with it. However, since this test was done by the company itself, I don’t want to say that this is  100% proof that the product is effective.

 

Mano makes a point of stressing that Sharkbanz is by no means a 100% guarantee from a shark attack, especially with regard to Great Whites. Mano explains: “Great Whites are the only shark that act as an ambush predator, attacking from a long distance at high speeds. There is no effective way to prevent this type of ambush attack.”

 

Sharkbanz creators also stress that its patented electromagnetic technology is designed to prevent “curious sharks from biting a person while in investigative mode, no prevent them from eating bloody fish bait.” If you’re a deep-sea fisherman looking for a high-tech way of warding off sharks from stealing your bait, this is not the solution.

 

The creators of Sharkbanz are not anti-shark; instead, they give 3% of their profits to support ocean conservation groups that, according to their site, include efforts to eradicate shark finning, prevent new offshore drilling, and aid in the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.

 

I personally would not recommend this product at all as you will essentially be paying around $100 to prevent something that likely won’t happen. It would be akin to buying volcano insurance in Nebraska or a meteor proof house. I will say though that, while wearing the Sharkbanz, not once did I encounter a shark…but I still wouldn’t recommend it.

PROS
  • 3 Sharkbanz Colors (Slate, Azure, Sea-foam)
  • Depth Rating (200 meters)
  • Secure Clasp System
  • Range: 1-2 Meters (3-6 Feet)
  • No Batteries (Powered by Magnetic Field of the Earth)
CONS
BOTTOM LINE
Spencer Pines, iReviews

By Spencer Pines, iReviews

Spencer Pines is a young artist and writer with a wide range of creative abilities. He is passionate about his friends, family, creative works, and retro video games.